Entertaining inspiration: How to throw a spring dinner party for the winter weary

Set a springy scene by layering your table with two tablecloths. Then add stacks of bright white dishes, a pop or two of color and a beautiful floral centerpiece. Woven chairs add the perfect texture — and are always easy to clean. The tableware is from Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities and Nell Hill’s. The chairs are from The Painted Sofa. Flowers by Trapp and Company.
Judy Revenaugh

If it’s still cold and overcast come late March, do yourself a favor and throw a spring dinner party. Even if it’s warm and sunny, do it anyway. After what we’ve been through these past months, we’re entitled to time together over a nice meal with fancy spring trimmings.

You can use it as an excuse to go on a shopping spree for new table linens and dishware in bright, springy colors like lime green and coral. The latter has started popping up in home goods and fashion stores thanks to Pantone christening Living Coral its 2019 Color of the Year a few months back. It’s a cheerful, yet sophisticated color that looks great mixed with a wide variety of hues. We chose lime green as our accent though a few of our pieces are made of Jadeite glass, a soft minty green, that also works nicely with it.

To top it all off and further wow your winter-weary guests, treat them to a delectable meal.

Explore where you live.

Our meal begins with a kale and Brussels sprout salad, followed by seared salmon atop Asian-inspired pasta with sautéed snow peas, red peppers and carrots. Then it’s on to dessert: a lemon mascarpone layer cake.

There are also cocktails. Really pretty ones. We’ve provided you with the recipes for them.

A few more suggestions: Invite your guests to break out their spring wardrobes, turn up the thermostat and Calypso, reggae and Beach Boys tunes. This could become a yearly event to break up the winter blues.